Elliotte Friedman links Bo Horvat to a pair of Eastern Conference teams

The Vancouver Canucks currently sit seventh in the Pacific Division with a 5-9-3 record through 17 games.

The NHL's trade deadline is on March 3rd, 2023 (15 weeks away), and general manager Patrik Alvin has some tough decisions to make. Perhaps, none bigger than figuring out the future of the Canucks and captain Bo Horvat. Horvat's six-year, $33 million contract is about to expire at the end of the season, and the forward is set to become a UFA on July 1st.

During Friday's edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman linked Horvat to a pair of Eastern Conference teams. The first being the Columbus Blue Jackets.

As per Friedman:



According to CapFriendly, the Blue Jackets have $10,266,667 in available salary cap for the 2023-24 season but are currently tied for last in the NHL. However, the Blue Jackets could have one of the best lines in the league adding Horvat in between Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau.

Friedman also noted the Washington Capitals as a dark horse in the Horvat sweepstakes. He thinks they could become a team in the hunt for Horvat, depending on the health of centerman Nicklas Backstrom.


The Canucks captain is off to an impressive start through 17 games, as he's recorded 14 goals (2nd in the NHL) and six assists.